Division 2 Promotion Clash!
Last Sunday The Sewerage Works ground saw the mighty clash between home side Barnstoneworth United and Division 2 promotion rivals Mossley Hill B. This was the big one! Both teams needed to secure 3 points and to concede as few goals as possible as promotion hopes could all hinge on goal difference. The Sewerage Works Ground was filled to capacity and you could feel the tension in the air, the atmosphere was electric. This was the most important game in Barnstonworth’s calendar and a win in front the home crowd could keep Barnstoneworth’s promotional dreams alive.
With Barnstoneworth kicking towards the Cathedral View End as usual, the game got off to a great start with Barnstoneworth piling on the pressure straight from the ref’s whistle. For the first 20 minutes it was all Barnstoneworth who looked comfortable on the ball utilising both wings to the max. Barnstoneworth created a number of chances all of which just couldn’t be converted. Then against the run of play a low driven ball from Mossley’s striker found the bottom right corner of Barnstoneworth’s net, John unfortunately was unsighted and powerless to get a hand to it. Depsite the setback Barnstoneworth just got on with the game, however Mossley started to see a bit more of the ball towards the end of the 1st half and with 5 mins before the ref’s whistle Mossley banged in their 2nd. The 1st half finished - Barnstoneworth 0 – 2 Mossley.
After a fucking good half time team talk and a H2O refuel, Barnstoneworth trotted back out onto the pitch ready for the 2nd half battle. 2-0 down was not a true reflection of this game and as soon the ref’s whistle went Barnstoneworth got stuck in and their perseverance paid of and 10 minutes later were rewarded with a goal - A great low driven long range shot from Danny Morgan that went straight through the legs of Mossley’s keeper. The home crowd went ballistic and really started to get behind their beloved Barnstonworth. This is just what Barnstoneworth needed. Straight from the restart both teams battled it out with some good flowing football and exchanges of possession. Barnstoneworth continued with the pressure, but it wasn’t all one way, but kept on pushing in the last 15 mins for the equaliser, but the killer through ball never quite made it. Then a quick break in the last 5mins saw Mossley’s striker bang in their 3rd…. Game over. No way could Barnstoneworth pull back a 2 goal deficit now. Barnstoneworth’s dreams of Division 2 football were shattered as the ref blew the whistle for full time. The final result - Barnstoneworth 1 v 3 Mossley Hill.
Beers, curry and chips were consumed in The Pen after the game and no injuries to report. Despite the defeat Barnstoneworth played well. There were some good all round performances particularly from new signing Mark Irvine in midfield and Pricey (MOM) on the wing. And we now have a Rooney on the bench… every team should have one! Regarding the Scratchy, thank fuck someone else won the Robo Rollover! Next game Mossley Hill away, Sunday 10th April, 1pm KO and then out on the lash in Liverpool!
